As a city break, Sydney is deservedly famous for its incomparable harbour, stunning beaches, warm welcome, Asian-Pacific-influenced cuisine, and bright sunshine. And it has more than its fair share of boutique hotels from which to enjoy it all. But sometimes you want a bit more flexibility and privacy than any hotel can offer - and that's where these apartments come in. They combine the contemporary style of the best urban hotels with full kitchen-dining facilities for home-cooked meals or takeaways. And they're much better value too.
Both are situated in the heart of trendy Darlinghurst (Sydney's SoHo), just off Bourke St and near some its best eateries, bars and nightlife - from espresso cafés to pizzerias, from vegan Thai restaurants to Japanese ramen and yakitori. You can walk almost everywhere from here: Potts Point, Kings Cross, Rushcutters and Elizabeth Bays, Surry Hills, CBD, even the Botanic Gardens and Opera House. The smaller apartment ('One') is perfect for a couple, while the larger one (with two double/twin bedrooms) will suit a family of 3-4, or two couples travelling together. This one also boasts access to a 25m pool, gym, sauna and steam room. Both share a similarly clean minimalist look, with impeccable styling by bkh (Burley Katon Halliday) and ethical designer furnishings by companies like Koskela. Clichéd though it may be, they really do combine the best of hotel and home - in a chic, affordable package.
Highs
- They're managed by a local agent who also run a nearby boutique hotel - so customer service is refreshingly hands-on (you're met by a caretaker who's on hand throughout your stay)
- Much better value than a hotel, considering the square footage you get, plus the flexibility to self cater or eat out
- We found their info packs really useful - insider tips on eateries, city transport and more
- Both apartments are pet friendly, and very quiet considering the central location
- If these two apartments are full, you can ask the agents what other options they have available nearby
Lows
- You'll need to book ahead for popular times of year
- There are no extra beds, but you can request a baby cot
- There's a minimum stays of 3-7 nights
- Note that rates don't include an end-of-stay cleaning fee
Best time to go
Sydney is superb year-round and shines even on the dullest of days (note that when it rains it pours); summer months are the most sought-after. The Sydney Festival runs throughout January, Australia Day (26 January) celebrations see a flotilla of craft on the harbour, the Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras is the last 2 weeks of February, the Royal Easter Show is Australia's biggest annual event, Vivid Sydney (son et lumiere displays around the city including the Opera House) runs end-May-mid-June, the Sydney Film Festival enlivens June, the start of the Sydney-Hobart yacht race is an iconic sight on 26 December, and the New Year's Eve fireworks are the envy of the world.
Our top tips
The inner-city suburbs of Surry Hills, Redfern and Chippendale are now eclipsing the Eastern suburbs when it comes to cutting-edge creativity. Head that way for the latest restaurant openings, galleries such as White Rabbit, theatre including Belvoir Street, and funky shops.
- Boutique Apartments
- 2 apartments for 2-4
- Self-catering; restaurants nearby
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Indoor Pool
- Sauna
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Concierge Service
- Local information pack
Rooms
Both apartments share a similar clean contemporary style, with open-plan kitchen-dining-living spaces, large windows and white walls brightened by splashes of colourful or kitschy art. Both are split-level, with a long narrow living-dining area downstairs and the bedroom(s) upstairs.
Apartment One (sleeps 2), just west of Bourke St, is perfect for a couple. It's airy and light, with a double aspect living-dining area which opens at the back, via full-height sliding windows, onto a cute little grey-painted patio with decked seating and potted palm trees. There are more potted succulent plants indoors which, along with modular furniture, wooden floors and designer lighting, give it an almost Japanese stillness. It helps that the street is a quiet one. Upstairs, the queensize bedroom has A/C, plenty of wardrobe space, an ensuite grey-tiled shower room and its own terrace with leafy views.
Apartment Two (sleeps 4), just east of Bourke St, is similarly modern and chic, but larger. Its living-dining area features a glass wall with light filtered through a stand of bamboo, plus woodland views and birdsong from its lovely private balcony. Each of the two bedrooms can be set up with a kingsize double or single beds; there is plenty of storage, and a full bathroom (shower and bathtub) between them. Note that there is no A/C in the bedrooms, but we felt that ceiling fans and (if you don't mind sleeping with the window open) a through breeze should suffice in all but the hottest weather. We loved the retro pop art, including the classic Ursula Andress scene from Dr. No, and Daniel Craig skulking in the laundry room. Staying here gives you access to a small gym, a 25m indoor pool, a steam room and a sauna in the building.
Features include:
- Hairdryer
- Washing machine
- WiFi
Eating
Apartment One has an all-white compact designer kitchen in an island within the open-plan living area, and a table seating 3. Apartment Two's larger state-of-the-art version is a sleek affair along one wall, with a table for up to 6. You'll get all the requisite bells and whistles, from sharp knives to Nespresso machine; plus a starter set of tea, coffee, salt, pepper, loo rolls, and bin bags.
Both apartments are close to grocery stores for food shopping, and to a plethora of restaurants. Sydney's dining scene is excellent and diverse. Chaco Ramen, Kindness Vegan, Bloodhound Espresso, East Village Hotel, Elements Steakhouse, Lucio's Pizzeria, Joe's (Asian) and Gelato Messina are all within a few blocks. A private chef can be booked for a special occasion.
Features include:
- Chef on request
- Coffee maker
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Restaurants nearby
- Toaster
Activities
- Take time to properly admire the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Then take a ferry across the harbour to either Taronga Zoo or Manly for fabulous views
- The Australian Museum and Art Gallery of NSW abut Hyde Park and the Domain, which lead naturally on to the Royal Botanic Gardens, all the way down to the water
- Head to those iconic beaches: a favourite inner-harbour destination is tidal Murray Rose Pool (Redleaf) in Double Bay; most agree Bondi can't be beaten, but Bronte, Tamarama and the Northern Beaches have their supporters, too
- The Eastern suburbs of Paddington, Darlinghurst and Potts Point are positively infested with good restaurants, coffee shops, trendy boutiques, cool cocktail bars, galleries and nightlife
- Popular walking trails include from Bondi to Coogee, Watsons Bay and the South Head, Spit Bridge to Manly
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Birdwatching
- Boat trips
- Hiking
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Sailing
- Shopping / markets
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Wine tasting
Kids
Sydney is a fantastic playground for families, with beaches, ferry rides, a world-class zoo, museums and a myriad of attractions. Staying in a centrally located apartment with a well-equipped kitchen makes recovering from the long journey to get here all the easier, as well as providing flexibility and more space than you'd get in the average hotel room.
Best for:
All ages
Family friendly accommodation:
Apartment Two, Quay View and Sky Loft all have second or third bedrooms which can be configured as twins. Quay View and Sky Loft have baths.
Distances:
- Airport: 45 minutes' drive
- Hospital: 10 minutes (St Vincents)
- Shops: 1 minute
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
The apartments are in the trendy Darlinghurst district of Sydney, on the coast of NSW, Australia.
By Air:
Fly into Sydney (10km). The apartments are about 45 minutes away via taxi, or there airport link buses (but you'll probably need to take a cab to the apartment).
Getting Around:
There are plenty of Ubers, taxis and buses, but we found that we could walk to almost all the city's main attractions. Given the parking restrictions and congestion, we don't recommend hiring a car; but, if necessary, Apartment Two has a secure parking space available by prior arrangement.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Sydney International Airport 10.0 km SYD
Other:
- Beach 3.0 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km